GRANDCARE Wanslea Family Services

GRANDCAREGRANDCAREWanslea Family ServicesWanslea Family Services

Kerry BlomKerry Blom

Grandcare CoordinatorGrandcare Coordinator

GrandcareWansleaFamilyServices AGrandcareWansleaFamilyServices ACWA2006CWA2006

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• Context– “Thelma and Jack’s” story.

– There has always been a number of children living with their grandparents (e.g. for financial reasons due to work, cultural, etc) Generally this has been a shared care arrangement

– However in WA (and nationally) there appears to be increasing numbers of grandchildren entering the care of grandparents full time. The reasons for this “Grandcare” include:

• Substance abuse• Mental illness• Incarceration• Death• Domestic Violence• Welfare concerns


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• The Service– In 2002 Wanslea’s Grandcare was launched to offer a

diverse range of services which target the individual requirements of the grandparents and the children in their care. There are now metropolitan and regional sites.

– The Service is funded by the WA Office for Seniors Interests and Volunteering. Supplementary support is provided by a range of service and volunteer organisations (e.g. Foodbank, Rotary etc).

– These services developed over the last 4 years have been subject to an action research approach aimed at a service of best fit.


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• The Services1. Information and advocacy service2. Support groups3. Social integration and skills development (for both

grandchildren and grandparents)4. Partnership with Foodbank and regular assistance

from service groups5. Wrap around support offered by Wanslea (e.g. crisis

family support)6. Research and evaluation7. Facilitating a community profile


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1. Information and advocacy service

– 1800 number state-wide (approximately 2500 calls since launch). This often provides the first opportunity grandparents have to talk about their situation.

– Advocate on behalf of grandparents to agencies such as Centrelink, Family Law Court, Homeswest, DCD, Health Department etc).

– Provide information on local service and opportunities. Link to Grandcare activities (e.g., skills enhancement opportunities, picnics and camps).


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2. Support groups

– Aim at overcoming social isolation

– A link to activities

– Create informal support networks

– Develop friendships


GRANDCAREGRANDCARE3. Social integration & skills development

– Skills workshops include child behaviour management, drug and alcohol information, social development, information on agencies of interest (e.g. Centrelink).

– Grandcamps: A way to consolidate and have

services provided to both grandchildren and grandparents in a non threatening and fun environment (Examples of feedback).


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4. Partnerships

– Volunteers

– The support from Foodbank

– The support from Rotary and Soroptimist international

– Support from Church groups

– Public support


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5. Wrap around support

– Crisis support

– Keeping families together (e.g. behaviour training)

– Social work support


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6. Research and evaluation

– Links with Curtin University of Technology (e.g. Perceptions of grandchildren living full time with grandparents).

– Developing links with University of Western Australia.

– Provide data to Office for Seniors Interests and Volunteering as part of ongoing commitment.

– Provide data to Office for Children and Youth.

– Promising future research on the horizon.


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7. Facilitating a community profile

– TV

– Radio

– News media

– Magazines

– Presentations

– Awards and nominations (both of service and the grandparents)


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• Future Directions

– More regional service coverage

– Develop regional networks (beginning)

– Grandparents running their own support groups

– Everyone’s wish in the not for profit sector: the access to more funding


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• Conclusion

– “Gary’s” Story

Thank You


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Contact Details

Kerry BlomGrandcare Coordinator

Wanslea Family ServicesPO Box 1640,

East Victoria Park, WA, 6981

Tel: 08 9361 8277.Fax: 08 9361 8644

Email: [email protected]

GRANDCARE Wanslea Family Services

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